What You'll Find at Paul Egan Park

Paul Egan Park sits on the shore of Otter Lake in Portage County, Wisconsin, about 20 minutes south of Stevens Point. It's a public access point that gives you launch and shore-fishing options for walleye, northern pike, and panfish on a lake that holds solid populations of all three. The park itself is modest—a boat launch, parking, and a small picnic area—but the water is what matters, and Otter Lake delivers consistent fishing across spring, summer, and fall.

The lake runs roughly 1,200 acres and averages 30 to 40 feet deep in the basin, with shallower structure along the edges where most of the fish hold. Walleye fishing peaks in spring and fall when they move into 8 to 15 feet of water; pike are present year-round but most aggressive in spring and again in October. If you're new to the lake, the park's location on the north shore gives you quick access to both the shallow flats and the deeper water beyond.

Key Takeaways

  • Paul Egan Park offers a public boat launch and shore access on Otter Lake, a 1,200-acre walleye and pike fishery in central Wisconsin.
  • Spring and fall are prime seasons for walleye; pike fishing is strong in spring and October, with summer panfish action available throughout the season.
  • The lake has good structure for both boat and shore anglers, with shallow flats near the park and deeper basin water accessible by a short run.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older, and current regulations on bag limits and size restrictions apply to Otter Lake.

Launching and Access at Paul Egan Park

The boat launch at Paul Egan Park is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for most trailers. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the launch; on busy weekends in May and September, arrive early. There is no fuel or bait shop at the park itself, so plan ahead—the nearest services are in Portage or Stevens Point, roughly 15 to 20 minutes away.

Shore fishing is possible along the park's waterfront, though the bottom is soft and the bank slopes gradually. A canoe or kayak launched from the park gives you access to shallow bays on either side of the launch point without the fuel cost of a larger boat. If you're fishing from shore, early morning and dusk are your best windows, especially in spring and fall when walleye move shallow.

Walleye Fishing on Otter Lake

Walleye on Otter Lake respond well to live bait and jigs in spring and fall. In May, work the shallow flats and weed edges in 6 to 12 feet of water with shiners or crawlers under a slip bobber. As the water warms through June and July, walleye retreat to deeper structure and the thermocline; summer fishing is slower but possible at dawn and dusk on the deeper edges of the basin.

Fall is when the lake comes alive again. Starting in late August and running through October, walleye move back into shallower water as the lake cools. Jig-and-minnow combinations work well, as do crankbaits that mimic the baitfish in the lake. The transition weeks of September and early October often produce the best numbers and the largest fish.

Pike and Panfish Opportunities

Northern pike in Otter Lake average 24 to 28 inches, with occasional fish pushing 35 inches or better. Spring pike fishing—April through May—is aggressive; throw large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures along the weed lines and shallow bays. Pike bite again in October as the water cools and they feed heavily before winter.

Panfish—bluegill, crappie, and pumpkinseed—are abundant and often overlooked. Summer is panfish season; fish the weed edges and shallow bays with small jigs, live minnows, or crickets. A canoe or kayak works especially well for panfish because you can reach the shallow, weedy areas that hold the most fish and are hard to access from a larger boat.

Seasons and Conditions on Otter Lake

Spring (April through May) is the busiest and most productive season. Walleye and pike are aggressive, the weather is warming, and the lake is accessible. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, triggering feeding behavior across all species.

Summer (June through August) is slower for walleye but excellent for panfish and pike early and late in the day. The lake can get crowded on weekends. Fall (September through October) rivals spring for walleye and pike fishing; water temperatures drop back into the 50s and 40s, and the fish feed heavily. Winter access depends on ice thickness; check local conditions before attempting to fish through the ice.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

A Wisconsin fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. You can purchase a daily or annual license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at most bait shops and sporting goods stores in the area. Check current regulations on Otter Lake for bag limits and size restrictions before you fish; these can change year to year.

Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat—the lake offers little shade once you're on the water. If you're launching a boat, fill your tank before you arrive. Bring your own bait or plan to fish with artificials; the nearest bait shops are in town. A depth finder is useful but not essential; the lake's structure is straightforward enough to fish successfully with a map and local knowledge.

Getting to Paul Egan Park

From Stevens Point, take Highway 39 south toward Portage. Follow signs for Otter Lake; the park entrance is well-marked. GPS coordinates for the launch are approximately 44.2°N, 89.5°W. The drive from Stevens Point is about 20 minutes; from Wausau, plan 45 minutes to an hour.

The park is open year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions and ice safety. There is no fee to launch or fish at Paul Egan Park. Facilities are basic—no restrooms or running water—so plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Paul Egan Park?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most productive for walleye and pike. Summer is slower for walleye but good for panfish. Winter fishing is possible when ice is safe, but conditions vary year to year.

Can I fish from shore at Paul Egan Park?

Yes, shore fishing is possible along the park's waterfront, though the bottom is soft and the bank slopes gradually. Early morning and dusk are best. A canoe or kayak launched from the park gives you better access to shallow bays and weed edges where panfish and pike hold.

Do I need a boat to fish Otter Lake?

No. Shore fishing and canoe or kayak fishing are both viable, especially for panfish and pike in shallow water. A boat gives you access to deeper walleye structure and lets you cover more water, but it's not required.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye average 16 to 20 inches with occasional larger fish. Pike average 24 to 28 inches. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) run 7 to 10 inches. Check current Wisconsin regulations for size and bag limits before you fish.

Is there bait and tackle available at the park?

No. The nearest bait shops and gas are in Portage or Stevens Point, 15 to 20 minutes away. Plan ahead and bring what you need, or fish with artificials.